Split Door Panels

HOMEMADE FLOOR CLEANER – Split door panels – The panel door is an elegant example of function and beauty in an architectural element. The functionality of the door’s design lies in the fact that panels loosely fit into grooves cut into the frame – this lets the door withstand changes in humidity as the panels move to accommodate it. But doors that endure hot, humid, and rainy exteriors while air – conditioning maintains a dry coolness inside can develop problems over time. Panel cracks can be a mere cosmetic nuisance, or they can be wide enough to admit light, air, and insects, requiring repair.

Do This Not that To Split Door Panels

Fill And Paint

Wrong Way

A rigid filler, such as an epoxy or a polyurethane adhesive, might seem like proper solution, but this kind of repair can lock the panel into dimension that cannot accommodate further movement of the wood. When this is the case, any temperature changes ( and subsequent expansion of the panel or door ) can be and split the panels, or even separate joints between the stiles and rails. Multiple coasts of paint over the panel’s edges also can effectively glue it into place, creating problems.

FREE THE PANEL FIRST

Right Way

Freeing the panel so that it moves again requires some patience. Using a utility knife, carefully cut through the paint or varnish film between the molded edge of the door frame and the panel. Once you’ve cut the paint film around the panel’s perimeter on both sides of the door, you should be able to squeeze it between your open hands and wiggle it up and down and side in the frame. ( it won’t move much – just a fraction of an inch- but it will move). first, clean the accumulated collections of filler and paint out of the crack. Next, apply painter’s tape along each edge. Then, fill the crack with a thick epoxy that doesn’t run, and use your hands to press both halves together. Don’t worry about glue squeeze – out: it will collect on, and strip off with, the painter’s tape. If the crack is difficult to close, hot-glue a blocks of together until the adhesive cures. ( the blocks can be removed later by applying heat at a distance to warm/loosen the glue). finally, prime and paint, checking to make sure the panel continues to move between coats. If it’s clear finish, the dried glue must approximate the varnish finish. Fortunately, most epoxies do.